Early Access to Salesforce Winter ’25: How to Use Pre-Release Sandboxes

As we approach the year’s final quarter, Salesforce enthusiasts and professionals have much to anticipate with the Winter ’25 release. This upcoming release teems new features and enhancements to elevate the Salesforce experience. To ensure a seamless transition, Salesforce offers users the opportunity to explore these innovations before the official rollout through pre-release sandboxes. 

This guide will walk you through accessing the Winter ’25 release in pre-release orgs, helping you make the most of the sandbox preview period.

Understanding the Sandbox Preview Window

The sandbox preview window is critical six weeks before the major Salesforce release. During this period, Salesforce upgrades all pre-release sandboxes to the upcoming Winter ’25 version. This early access allows users to test their configurations and adapt to the new features before they are universally applied.

For the Winter ’25 release, the sandbox preview window commences on August 30, 2024. To participate, ensure your sandbox is set to a preview instance by August 29, 2024—the cutoff date. Sandboxes not on preview instances by this date will not receive the update until the general release.

Steps to Access Winter ’25 in Pre-Release Orgs

1. Identify Your Sandbox Type: Navigate to the Sandbox menu in your Salesforce setup. Here, you can determine whether your sandbox is on a preview or non-preview instance based on the Release Type column. This classification is crucial as it dictates whether your sandbox will automatically receive the Winter ’25 update or remain on the current Summer ’24 version.
2. Check Your Sandbox Status: Use the Sandbox Preview Guide, available in Salesforce documentation. By entering your sandbox instance name, you can confirm whether it is slated for the preview or needs to be switched to a preview instance. This tool is invaluable for managing multiple sandboxes and planning for the release transition.
3. Finalize Your Strategy: Decide whether to upgrade to Winter ’25 or retain the Summer ’24 release in your sandbox. If you choose to upgrade, no further action is required for sandboxes already on preview instances—they will automatically update on August 30, 2024. However, if your sandbox is on a non-preview instance and you wish to experience Winter ’25, you’ll need to refresh it to a preview instance before the August 29 cutoff.

Also Read – Salesforce Winter ’25 Release: What’s New and How To Get Ready

Refreshing Your Sandbox

Refreshing a sandbox is a straightforward process but requires timing and consideration, especially as the cutoff date approaches. If your sandbox is on a non-preview instance and you wish to update it to Winter ’25, ensure you initiate the refresh process well before the cutoff to avoid delays.

For those opting to maintain the current Summer ’24 version in their sandbox, refreshing to a non-preview instance after the cutoff date will ensure that your environment remains unchanged until the general update in October 2024.

Creating and Cloning Sandboxes

Creating a New Sandbox: If you need a new sandbox, consider your timing:

• Before the Cutoff: Request your sandbox before 6:00 PM PT on August 29, 2024, to ensure it is assigned to a preview instance and receives the Winter ’25 update.
• After the Cutoff: With the Summer ’24 release, any new sandbox requests after the cutoff will default to a non-preview instance.

Cloning an Existing Sandbox: Cloning during the preview window should also be timed carefully:

• Before the Preview Window: Clone requests are routed to preview instances.
• During and After the Preview Window: Clones are processed on the same release version as the original sandbox.

AppExchange Considerations During the Preview

The sandbox preview window also affects how you can upload or install AppExchange packages:

• Before the Preview Window: Installation and uploads can occur from any instance of the same release to any instance of the same release.
• During the Preview Window: You can only install packages from and to the same version instances, i.e., Winter ’25 to Winter ’25.

Conclusion

The sandbox preview window for the Winter ’25 release offers a vital opportunity for Salesforce users to familiarize themselves with upcoming features and ensure their systems are fully compatible and optimized. 

By understanding the importance of the sandbox setup and refresh timelines, users can maximize their readiness for the new release, ensuring a smooth transition and leveraging the advanced capabilities of Salesforce’s ever-evolving platform.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the sandbox preview window for Winter ’25?

The preview window starts on August 30, 2024, allowing early access to the Winter ’25 release features.

2. How do I know if my sandbox is on a preview instance?

In Salesforce Setup, search for “Sandbox” and check the Release Type column to see if it’s listed as a preview.

3. What is the cutoff date for the Winter ’25 sandbox preview?

To participate in the preview, you must have your sandbox on a preview instance by August 29, 2024.

4. Can I keep my sandbox on the Summer ’24 version?

Yes, after August 29, 2024, refresh your sandbox to a non-preview instance to retain the Summer ’24 version.

5. What happens if I miss the sandbox refresh cutoff date?

Sandboxes not refreshed by the cutoff will either stay on Summer ’24 or won’t receive the Winter ’25 preview until the general release.